Friendship voters OK firetruck, fireworks

FRIENDSHIP, Maine — Friendship voters gave their backing Monday to the purchase of a firetruck and money for fireworks.

Voters also elected David Benner as their new selectman. Benner won with 125 votes, compared to 38 for Raymond Brann.

Benner will succeed Earl Bachelder, who did not seek re-election.

There were no candidates for a representative to the Regional School Unit 40 board. Brook Simmons received the most write-in votes, garnering 17. The seat was held by Mary Genthner, who did not seek re-election.

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Victor Motyka was re-elected without opposition to the board of assessors.

The referendum asked residents whether they wanted to borrow up to $100,000 for a firetruck. Residents supported the measure 112 to 69.

Residents also voted 91 to 88 to raise $6,500 for fireworks for Friendship Day.

The town meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, when the remainder of the warrants will be voted on by residents.